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The Memory Collector #1
Mind of the Phoenix
Braxton, 1903
Moira is a powerful empath, a psychic graced with the ability to read emotions and memories. Her skill is as much a curse as a gift, for in the harshly stratified city of Braxton empaths are slaves. Clever and beautiful, Moira has learned to rely on no one but herself. Determined to escape life as a concubine, she kills her master, and is imprisoned for the crime.
This could be the end for Moira, but the government has need of her skills. A mysterious serial killer known as the Phoenix has been planting suggestions in his victims' minds that drive them to murder and suicide. To gain her freedom, Moira partners with Keenan Edwards, a handsome young detective, to stop the killer.
Hunting the Phoenix will bring Moira on a more dangerous road than she imagined, forcing her to confront dark minds, twisted moralities, and her growing feelings for the detective.
Moira is a powerful empath, a psychic graced with the ability to read emotions and memories. Her skill is as much a curse as a gift, for in the harshly stratified city of Braxton empaths are slaves. Clever and beautiful, Moira has learned to rely on no one but herself. Determined to escape life as a concubine, she kills her master, and is imprisoned for the crime.
This could be the end for Moira, but the government has need of her skills. A mysterious serial killer known as the Phoenix has been planting suggestions in his victims' minds that drive them to murder and suicide. To gain her freedom, Moira partners with Keenan Edwards, a handsome young detective, to stop the killer.
Hunting the Phoenix will bring Moira on a more dangerous road than she imagined, forcing her to confront dark minds, twisted moralities, and her growing feelings for the detective.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2015
44 people are currently reading
911 people want to read
About the author
Jamie McLachlan
7Ìýbooks69ÌýfollowersCanadian author of the Memory Collector Series: Mind of the Phoenix (an Amazon Bestseller in Dark Fantasy), Pawn of the Phoenix, and Rise of the Phoenix. In addition to novels, McLachlan writes poetry and short stories such as "The Eyes of the Heart," which can be found in the collection, Déjà You: Stories of Second Chances. Her poetry collection, Night Song, will debut October 8, 2018. When not writing, she enjoys reading, dabbling in various crafts, spending time with her husband and two sons, and letting her imagination roam with the help of great music.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
December 26, 2015
**I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Moira is an empath, that means that she is gifted with sensing other people's emotions, reading their thoughts, seeing their memories and sometimes even using a little bit of persuasion to play with their minds. But she's not the usual kind of empath, since she possesses more special powers.
As amazing as this sounds, poor Moira lives in a world where all empaths are slaves. People without these abilities own the empaths, branding them with a mark on their face, so that they won't take over the world and control the less fortunate (and yes, that's how I'm referring to regular humans, because being an empath sounds awesome). The least powerful ones belong in the pleasure house, being forced to work as concubines and suffering all kinds of mistreatment.
People don't know about Moira's special powers, that's why she's a concubine. When she's nineteen, an empath who works for the Elite buys her (these empaths have more privileges than regular ones) and he makes poor Moira's life a living hell, even worse than what she had to go through in the pleasure house, which wasn't even that great to being with. So one day she snaps and kills her master... and gets sentenced to death, waiting in a dark and cold cell for the day when she'll finally be set free. This is where our story begins.
Detective Keenan Edwards is following the trail of The Phoenix, a serial killer that works in very mysterious ways. Keenan may be dealing with an empath, so the detective needs help from someone who might be able to provide more information about these deaths, and so Moira is assigned to this case, in exchange for her freedom and her life.
When we first meet him, Keenan is a complete jerk. He doesn't want Moira on the case and is very rude to her, because he only sees her as a concubine and a murderer... like she had a choice!
Let me just break it down for you, Keenan. Moira is an empath, that means that she's a slave. And slaves are forced to do things. They don't get a say in anything, unless they want to be severely punished. Poor Moira has been forced to be a concubine and she also has to endure people blaming her for it? Shut up, Keenan. Please, just sit down.
And yes, she did kill her master. But the guy was incredibly abusive and he also kept torturing her endlessly. I mean, I don't support murderers, but man, are we really going to blame Moira? I still wonder how she has lasted this long! She's freaking strong!!
But as the story progresses, Keenan gets to know her better and starts being nicer to her, seeing everything she's been through her whole life.
Moira does see this change in the detective, but she finds it really hard to trust him, since she's never had people in her life who cared about her. And she just can't trust men in general, she knows for a fact that almost all men are cheaters, married and betrothed men frequent the pleasure house and this is something she can't stand. Moira also thinks that the world is more evil than good, and plans on escaping as soon as she gets a chance, but her relationship with the detective makes her consider if this would be a wise choice.
The whole thing with the Phoenix is also amazing, we get to meet a lot of interesting characters along the journey, most of them former clients of Moira. And even new murders start taking place. The way things connect to each other and how they have to put the pieces together is so well done, I just wanted to keep reading to find out what the next step would be. The author really did a wonderful job with this book, there are just so many stories to be told and we find out about each of them at the right time.
There's also the way that people's minds are described and that was something I did not expect, I just thought empaths could read thoughts and that that would be it, but they can enter other people's minds and they all resemble different things, like labyrinths, staircases, cities and they can also have windows, doors and locks, to keep others from looking at those memories.
All that's left for me to say is that, after I read this ending, I think that there's absolutely going to be a sequel, right? RIGHT??
More reviews on my blog:
Moira is an empath, that means that she is gifted with sensing other people's emotions, reading their thoughts, seeing their memories and sometimes even using a little bit of persuasion to play with their minds. But she's not the usual kind of empath, since she possesses more special powers.
As amazing as this sounds, poor Moira lives in a world where all empaths are slaves. People without these abilities own the empaths, branding them with a mark on their face, so that they won't take over the world and control the less fortunate (and yes, that's how I'm referring to regular humans, because being an empath sounds awesome). The least powerful ones belong in the pleasure house, being forced to work as concubines and suffering all kinds of mistreatment.
"I am a Del Mar, property of the pleasure house owner; I am not a person"
People don't know about Moira's special powers, that's why she's a concubine. When she's nineteen, an empath who works for the Elite buys her (these empaths have more privileges than regular ones) and he makes poor Moira's life a living hell, even worse than what she had to go through in the pleasure house, which wasn't even that great to being with. So one day she snaps and kills her master... and gets sentenced to death, waiting in a dark and cold cell for the day when she'll finally be set free. This is where our story begins.
Detective Keenan Edwards is following the trail of The Phoenix, a serial killer that works in very mysterious ways. Keenan may be dealing with an empath, so the detective needs help from someone who might be able to provide more information about these deaths, and so Moira is assigned to this case, in exchange for her freedom and her life.
When we first meet him, Keenan is a complete jerk. He doesn't want Moira on the case and is very rude to her, because he only sees her as a concubine and a murderer... like she had a choice!
Let me just break it down for you, Keenan. Moira is an empath, that means that she's a slave. And slaves are forced to do things. They don't get a say in anything, unless they want to be severely punished. Poor Moira has been forced to be a concubine and she also has to endure people blaming her for it? Shut up, Keenan. Please, just sit down.
And yes, she did kill her master. But the guy was incredibly abusive and he also kept torturing her endlessly. I mean, I don't support murderers, but man, are we really going to blame Moira? I still wonder how she has lasted this long! She's freaking strong!!
But as the story progresses, Keenan gets to know her better and starts being nicer to her, seeing everything she's been through her whole life.
Moira does see this change in the detective, but she finds it really hard to trust him, since she's never had people in her life who cared about her. And she just can't trust men in general, she knows for a fact that almost all men are cheaters, married and betrothed men frequent the pleasure house and this is something she can't stand. Moira also thinks that the world is more evil than good, and plans on escaping as soon as she gets a chance, but her relationship with the detective makes her consider if this would be a wise choice.
The whole thing with the Phoenix is also amazing, we get to meet a lot of interesting characters along the journey, most of them former clients of Moira. And even new murders start taking place. The way things connect to each other and how they have to put the pieces together is so well done, I just wanted to keep reading to find out what the next step would be. The author really did a wonderful job with this book, there are just so many stories to be told and we find out about each of them at the right time.
There's also the way that people's minds are described and that was something I did not expect, I just thought empaths could read thoughts and that that would be it, but they can enter other people's minds and they all resemble different things, like labyrinths, staircases, cities and they can also have windows, doors and locks, to keep others from looking at those memories.
All that's left for me to say is that, after I read this ending, I think that there's absolutely going to be a sequel, right? RIGHT??
More reviews on my blog:
August 27, 2015
I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this book, as I generally steer clear of thrillers or murder mysteries, but I was pleasantly surprised. The crimes were detailed without being gory or over-the-top, and the world they lived in was different, yet believable. The heroine- a feisty empathy named Moira- was delightful. Despite the serious content at times I actually chuckled at her humorous comments or thoughts. The sexual tension between her and the detective was palpable, and the author wrote it in such a way that really made you wonder if they would ever cross the line of working together into something more. It was truly intriguing reading about the two together.
I won't give away any spoilers, but I will say two things I expected to happen in the book did not, so I eagerly look forward to the sequel because I simply must know what happens to the characters and the crimes they so wish to solve. And I am a sucker for period details, so I'll add I hope there's even more description of fashion and setting in the next book! Overall, a very fun (yes, fun) read, with unforgettable characters and a seemingly impossible to catch villain.
I won't give away any spoilers, but I will say two things I expected to happen in the book did not, so I eagerly look forward to the sequel because I simply must know what happens to the characters and the crimes they so wish to solve. And I am a sucker for period details, so I'll add I hope there's even more description of fashion and setting in the next book! Overall, a very fun (yes, fun) read, with unforgettable characters and a seemingly impossible to catch villain.
May 26, 2015
I thought that this book was an excellent read. I loved the beginning, it really drew me into the book. As I kept reading, it kept me intrigued and I was always wanting more! I would highly recommend this to anyone that loves romance, mystery, crime, science fiction and mythology.
August 4, 2016
Wow. This book was something else, I was not expecting that.
The city of Braxton is gripped by a series of suicides, that appear to be murders committed under a powerful persona called the Phoenix. When the victims appear to be under compulsion of a certain phrase during their deaths, help is sought in the form of an empath. Empaths are born with the power of reading memories and emotions, which results in them being branded for servitude and placed in either the Memory House, the Dream House or the Pleasure House.
Moira del Mar, is a concubine who was forced into the pleasure house and then bought by a master at the age of 19. After enduring psychological and physical torture under her master, she murders him and is thrown in jail awaiting execution.
However, her unusually powerful psychic abilities leads to her being recruited by the Elite; with the ultimatum of solving the serial suicides or facing execution. Moira joins the young and accomplished detective Keenan Edwards and together they must investigate from the high echelons of society to the bowels of Braxton's streets in order to find the Phoenix.
This book was well-paced and beautifully written, with small clues and parts of Moira and Keenan's past unravelling as they delve further into the mystery. As much of the high-tiered suspects consisted of Moira's clientele when she was a slave at the pleasure house, we gain a perspective of their lives in and outside society, as well as the web connecting each suspect together.
Moira was such a strong survivor, despite the indignity that she suffered throughout her entire life under the Elite, she's feisty, strong-willed and determined to find the identity of the Phoenix when it starts targeting more personal victims. One of my favourite aspects of McLachlan's worldspace, was the way Moira described her the minds of different people, which could appear as a barren wintery landscape, an abandoned town with doors that tightly lock away secretes and windows that represent memories or even a large structure of cogs and gears.
Detective Keenan was initially prejudiced towards Moira, condemning her crime and overlooking that her suffering as a slave may have justified her actions. But as Moira's past reveals itself through her clients, Keenan comes to set aside his judgement and is exposed to the degenerate treatment of the empaths. Moira and Keenan's relationship is so meaningful and I loved how acknowledging their connection meant that Keenan as a detective had to come to term with Moira being convicted as a criminal and Moira had to confront the notion that someone could care about her wellbeing, would want her company without wanting compensation and that some men actually had good principles, which were all things that went against her experiences at the pleasure house.
Quite honestly though, after the way Moira was exploited and how she was able to read the sheer depravity of some of her client's minds, can anyone honestly blame her?
McLachlan has woven an intricate web full of human vice, delicate clues, powerful characters and an enigmatic villain, which I cannot wait to delve further into in her highly anticipated sequel.
The city of Braxton is gripped by a series of suicides, that appear to be murders committed under a powerful persona called the Phoenix. When the victims appear to be under compulsion of a certain phrase during their deaths, help is sought in the form of an empath. Empaths are born with the power of reading memories and emotions, which results in them being branded for servitude and placed in either the Memory House, the Dream House or the Pleasure House.
Moira del Mar, is a concubine who was forced into the pleasure house and then bought by a master at the age of 19. After enduring psychological and physical torture under her master, she murders him and is thrown in jail awaiting execution.
However, her unusually powerful psychic abilities leads to her being recruited by the Elite; with the ultimatum of solving the serial suicides or facing execution. Moira joins the young and accomplished detective Keenan Edwards and together they must investigate from the high echelons of society to the bowels of Braxton's streets in order to find the Phoenix.
This book was well-paced and beautifully written, with small clues and parts of Moira and Keenan's past unravelling as they delve further into the mystery. As much of the high-tiered suspects consisted of Moira's clientele when she was a slave at the pleasure house, we gain a perspective of their lives in and outside society, as well as the web connecting each suspect together.
Moira was such a strong survivor, despite the indignity that she suffered throughout her entire life under the Elite, she's feisty, strong-willed and determined to find the identity of the Phoenix when it starts targeting more personal victims. One of my favourite aspects of McLachlan's worldspace, was the way Moira described her the minds of different people, which could appear as a barren wintery landscape, an abandoned town with doors that tightly lock away secretes and windows that represent memories or even a large structure of cogs and gears.
Detective Keenan was initially prejudiced towards Moira, condemning her crime and overlooking that her suffering as a slave may have justified her actions. But as Moira's past reveals itself through her clients, Keenan comes to set aside his judgement and is exposed to the degenerate treatment of the empaths. Moira and Keenan's relationship is so meaningful and I loved how acknowledging their connection meant that Keenan as a detective had to come to term with Moira being convicted as a criminal and Moira had to confront the notion that someone could care about her wellbeing, would want her company without wanting compensation and that some men actually had good principles, which were all things that went against her experiences at the pleasure house.
Quite honestly though, after the way Moira was exploited and how she was able to read the sheer depravity of some of her client's minds, can anyone honestly blame her?
McLachlan has woven an intricate web full of human vice, delicate clues, powerful characters and an enigmatic villain, which I cannot wait to delve further into in her highly anticipated sequel.
March 15, 2016
I'm really disappointed in this book. It started out fantastic, mysterious deaths, an empath with nothing to lose, and a detective who despises her. But the best part was the idea of the Pheonix, placing thoughts in people's heads to kill and they don't even get it. Unfortunately the book crashed and burned, suddenly halfway through it stopped being about this fascinating plot and was just pages and pages of Moira and Keenan (the detective) staring into each other's eyes. Oh and another murder is introduced so most of the book has nothing to do with the original plot. Shame, it could have been great.
Netgalley gave me a free copy of this book for my honest opinion.
Netgalley gave me a free copy of this book for my honest opinion.
August 3, 2015
You first experience of the world of Braxton through one women locked in a dark and hopeless place…and only one option.
As the story's reality slowly reveals itself, a caste system, people divided though fear and a power structure that favors the few; you start to feel, if Moria can find justice for others, maybe it’s possible for everyone including herself.
Braxton’s strange divisions, its segregation of Empaths, leaves the reader with endless questions. What kind of history created such division? Will we learn more about why the main characters came to be the way they are when we first encounter them? What the author Jamie McLachlan does is unveil her characters slowly, revealing more questions than answers as you go making it hard to put Mind of the Phoenix down as you hope to find resolutions on the next page.
There is an ongoing struggle to find, embrace and understand human nature and motivations, weather you can read minds or not. As you dive into the world of Braxton through these characters, your hope is that Empath Moria and her Detective, will find a common path that will both lead them to a killer, and to each other. But so far nothing is certain, leaving every reader wanting more.
A page turner for any reader with and imagination for the impossible, love for a good mystery and the eternal hope for the possibility of true love.
As the story's reality slowly reveals itself, a caste system, people divided though fear and a power structure that favors the few; you start to feel, if Moria can find justice for others, maybe it’s possible for everyone including herself.
Braxton’s strange divisions, its segregation of Empaths, leaves the reader with endless questions. What kind of history created such division? Will we learn more about why the main characters came to be the way they are when we first encounter them? What the author Jamie McLachlan does is unveil her characters slowly, revealing more questions than answers as you go making it hard to put Mind of the Phoenix down as you hope to find resolutions on the next page.
There is an ongoing struggle to find, embrace and understand human nature and motivations, weather you can read minds or not. As you dive into the world of Braxton through these characters, your hope is that Empath Moria and her Detective, will find a common path that will both lead them to a killer, and to each other. But so far nothing is certain, leaving every reader wanting more.
A page turner for any reader with and imagination for the impossible, love for a good mystery and the eternal hope for the possibility of true love.
September 8, 2015
Moira's a feisty empath,guilty of murdering her former Master, but given a second chance so long as she helps the police solve a string of bizarre and confounding murders. Moira has not had it easy as both a slave and concubine. She hasn't had many choices, which affects her outlook, making her suspect the motives of everyone she meets. Every decision she makes is colored by her past until she begins to trust and love the detective, Edwards, who she's paired with to solve the identity of the mysterious entity they call "Phoenix". I couldn't put this book down and I only hope that there's a Sequel. This book is well written, excellently paced and engaging. McLachlan weaves a story illustrating the abuses of power in a fictional society of the Elites, and Empaths that they subjugate.
October 16, 2015
Some books you have to read yourself into, warm up to and eventually you may grow to love them. This book had me at hello. The writing is crisp and wonderfully descriptive, the story engaging and imaginative and the characters well drawn and believable.
From the very first scene in Moira's prison cell we are transported into a world where the elite rules, empaths are slaves and the Phoenix kills at regular intervals and in mysterious ways. Moira is an empath who has killed her master. But even Keenan, the detective she is tasked to help find out who the Phoenix is, quickly learns not to judge her for it.
Moira, having no talent for blocking or dream weaving, was placed in the pleasure house. There her life was spent being used and abused by men, elite and other empaths alike. Things had apparently gotten even worse after she was sold to another empath.
All this is revealed through glimpses into her past during the investigation into the murders.
What is near miraculous is the fact that Moira still has a moral compass and a yearning for love even if she does not understand or recognize the emotion.
What I liked most about Moira was that she lacked the arrogance that may very well have come with the ability to read minds. Instead, she thinks of going into someones mind as a rather intimate thing.
It is a credit to the author that she resisted the temptation to make the empaths all knowing like the elite seems to fear that they are.
Another thing I truly love about this book is the sexual tension that builds and builds between Moira and Keenan and still nothing more then a kiss happens in this book. But apparently there are two more in the series and I for one can't wait for the next installment.
From the very first scene in Moira's prison cell we are transported into a world where the elite rules, empaths are slaves and the Phoenix kills at regular intervals and in mysterious ways. Moira is an empath who has killed her master. But even Keenan, the detective she is tasked to help find out who the Phoenix is, quickly learns not to judge her for it.
Moira, having no talent for blocking or dream weaving, was placed in the pleasure house. There her life was spent being used and abused by men, elite and other empaths alike. Things had apparently gotten even worse after she was sold to another empath.
All this is revealed through glimpses into her past during the investigation into the murders.
What is near miraculous is the fact that Moira still has a moral compass and a yearning for love even if she does not understand or recognize the emotion.
What I liked most about Moira was that she lacked the arrogance that may very well have come with the ability to read minds. Instead, she thinks of going into someones mind as a rather intimate thing.
It is a credit to the author that she resisted the temptation to make the empaths all knowing like the elite seems to fear that they are.
Another thing I truly love about this book is the sexual tension that builds and builds between Moira and Keenan and still nothing more then a kiss happens in this book. But apparently there are two more in the series and I for one can't wait for the next installment.
March 17, 2016
This is probably one of the best books have I read lately. Moira, a complicated character with an even more complicated mind and past, has decided her life is more important than revenge and is partnered with quiet Detective Keenan Edwards to solve the crime of the Phoenix. The complex layers of character and relationships are real and make the characters seem alive. There is no ista-love between the characters, but their relationship grows and evolves into something special. The use of word choice and language is amazing. The only thing that jarred at me at all was the occasion for Moira to use slang that I'm sure was prevalent during the time the novel is set. With the cliff hanger on an ending, I sincerely hope that this novel will be a part of a series and I will eagerly await the next book in the series. I cannot wait to read this book again.
August 15, 2015
Moira is an empath, guilty of murder but given a second chance so long as she helps the police solve a string of bizarre and confounding murders. This story follows Moira as she discovers that some people may be worth trusting while others are not. This novel sucked me right in and I am disappointed that I don't have a sequel to immediately sate my curiosity. Well written, and engaging, McLachlan weaves a story illustrating the abuses of power in a fictional Gilded Age society of Elite and empaths that is possibly giving rise to a mysterious entity known as the Phoenix. Moira and detective Edwards have to overcome their animosity and chemistry to work together before even more people suffer.
January 4, 2016
This book epitomizes the phrase "leave them wanting more." I knew I was getting to the end, but I wanted it to last so much longer. Thankfully, there will be a sequel. There are some questions answered, but the important ones still linger.
Moira has not had it easy as a slave and concubine. In the world she lives in, she hasn't had many choices and this has severely affected her outlook. Every decision she makes is colored by her past until she begins to trust and love (completely unbeknownst to even her) the detective she's paired with to solve the identity of the mysterious Phoenix.
Like her dream weavers, the author constructs a world that feels real and is somewhere I can easily visualize. I am reminded of The Infernal Devices, a series I dearly love.
Moira has not had it easy as a slave and concubine. In the world she lives in, she hasn't had many choices and this has severely affected her outlook. Every decision she makes is colored by her past until she begins to trust and love (completely unbeknownst to even her) the detective she's paired with to solve the identity of the mysterious Phoenix.
Like her dream weavers, the author constructs a world that feels real and is somewhere I can easily visualize. I am reminded of The Infernal Devices, a series I dearly love.
September 10, 2015
Wonderful read! This book was so much more than I was expecting. The author manages to weave mystery, fantasy, politics, murder; romance in a such a suspenseful way that you can't stop turning the pages. She doesn't make her main character all-powerful, which makes the book more believable and more intriguing. As a powerful Empath, Moira is naturally feared by others but the caste system paradoxically sees her as lesser. Despite their fear, the Elite need her abilities to solve a series of murders perpetrated by someone only known as The Phoenix. A page turning book that I personally hope succeeds!
September 7, 2015
Where do I even begin? This book had me in it's clutches from the very first page. I'm a big paranormal mystery fan, so this book was right up my alley. I really like Moira's character. It's nice to read a book with a spunky, intelligent heroine who used her past to rise above, instead of wallowing in self pity. The mystery keeps you guessing. You'll be on the edge of your seat, wanting more. This book hasn't even been released, and I'm already desperate for the sequel! This was one of the best books I've read this year! I can't wait for more!
March 16, 2016
Fantastic reading.
I totally loved the blend of crime, romance and paranormal.
Moira and the dective are anything but short of fantastic.
I'm left wanting more...and I want it now.
Book 2, please???
I totally loved the blend of crime, romance and paranormal.
Moira and the dective are anything but short of fantastic.
I'm left wanting more...and I want it now.
Book 2, please???
October 29, 2015
Look, it wasn't perfect. Some bits that got my attention in the writing, distracted me for a few seconds, but... I still love it and I need more. Preferably NOW.
November 8, 2015
Summary
Mind of the Phoenix is the first book in The Memory Collector series and I am impressed.
In this book, Moira is an empath and a Del Mar � a slave in the pleasure house. She starts the novel in prison, awaiting execution following the murder of her previous master, when a serial killer strikes. Soon she is enlisted by the Elite to help solve the case, using her gifts to get into the minds of the witnesses and suspects.
I found myself completely caught up in the story, with the world and characters feeling real and fascinating. As the first book in the series, it resolves nicely � tidying up a number of ends but leaving it open for the series to progress.
Plot
The plot of Mind of the Phoenix was built up from the very beginning. While the over-arching plot of the series is the Phoenix, a serial killer who persuades others to do the deed for them, Mclachlan also incorporates a number of sub-plots which beef up the story and help develop the characters a lot more as you get to see how the characters react to certain situations.
More than being a fantastic story, the book also explores power in both the fantastical power of the empaths and the dominating powers of the people that own them and those that force their pleasure from the concubines. This in itself makes the mystery of the book even more thrilling.
Characters
Moira makes for a brilliant lead. She has a strong personality and refusing to let herself be dominated by either her owners, those that had paid for her services or her own dark side. Yet, despite her stubbornness, sultry behaviour and teasing antics, she is also very vulnerable and this makes her rise off of the page.
Keenan, the detective, is also an interesting character. As the main male lead, he has mysteries of his own, ones which are still not completely revealed by the end of the book. A serious man, his personality makes an entertaining foil for Moira’s playful, flirtatious defences and their relationship is built up slowly and believable throughout the book.
The other characters helped build up the world that the book is set in and, while some did seem to be evil in character for the sake of it, the darkness that emanated from them was disturbing. I did wish that we could have got to spend more time with some of character who, while important, did not get as much time as I felt they deserved. Rick, in particular, was one of these. As one of the only morally-centred characters, I felt that he should have more of a presence in a book where morals were the last thing on many characters� minds.
World/Setting
The setting of this book is built up nicely throughout the book. While similar to this world, it contains very stark differences. This allows you to not feel too overwhelmed up first entering it, but allows you to be fully immersed in the story once things pick up. I would have liked to have a bit more description of the various places, but the society construct was very-well explained and I felt like I understood the structure well-enough to fully appreciate the situations Moira found herself in.
One of my favourite parts of the book was not the physical setting per-se, but the landscapes that Moira encounters in the minds of those she reads. Each is different depending on the character and so they reveal a lot about the person while also providing a visual description of how Moira’s powers work. Each of these landscapes were beautifully described and I really enjoyed reading about them.
Final thoughts
Mind of the Phoenix is a book which I found utterly captivating. It is an elegantly carved piece of work that is not afraid to stray into the darker side of the human character, indeed it revels in it. The characters are believable and disturbing, yet I found myself engrossed in Moira and Keenan’s investigation. The use of telepathy is very well done and I loved reading about this power in action.
Overall, a brilliant book and, not to mention, the cover is gorgeous.
Mind of the Phoenix is the first book in The Memory Collector series and I am impressed.
In this book, Moira is an empath and a Del Mar � a slave in the pleasure house. She starts the novel in prison, awaiting execution following the murder of her previous master, when a serial killer strikes. Soon she is enlisted by the Elite to help solve the case, using her gifts to get into the minds of the witnesses and suspects.
I found myself completely caught up in the story, with the world and characters feeling real and fascinating. As the first book in the series, it resolves nicely � tidying up a number of ends but leaving it open for the series to progress.
Plot
The plot of Mind of the Phoenix was built up from the very beginning. While the over-arching plot of the series is the Phoenix, a serial killer who persuades others to do the deed for them, Mclachlan also incorporates a number of sub-plots which beef up the story and help develop the characters a lot more as you get to see how the characters react to certain situations.
More than being a fantastic story, the book also explores power in both the fantastical power of the empaths and the dominating powers of the people that own them and those that force their pleasure from the concubines. This in itself makes the mystery of the book even more thrilling.
Characters
Moira makes for a brilliant lead. She has a strong personality and refusing to let herself be dominated by either her owners, those that had paid for her services or her own dark side. Yet, despite her stubbornness, sultry behaviour and teasing antics, she is also very vulnerable and this makes her rise off of the page.
Keenan, the detective, is also an interesting character. As the main male lead, he has mysteries of his own, ones which are still not completely revealed by the end of the book. A serious man, his personality makes an entertaining foil for Moira’s playful, flirtatious defences and their relationship is built up slowly and believable throughout the book.
The other characters helped build up the world that the book is set in and, while some did seem to be evil in character for the sake of it, the darkness that emanated from them was disturbing. I did wish that we could have got to spend more time with some of character who, while important, did not get as much time as I felt they deserved. Rick, in particular, was one of these. As one of the only morally-centred characters, I felt that he should have more of a presence in a book where morals were the last thing on many characters� minds.
World/Setting
The setting of this book is built up nicely throughout the book. While similar to this world, it contains very stark differences. This allows you to not feel too overwhelmed up first entering it, but allows you to be fully immersed in the story once things pick up. I would have liked to have a bit more description of the various places, but the society construct was very-well explained and I felt like I understood the structure well-enough to fully appreciate the situations Moira found herself in.
One of my favourite parts of the book was not the physical setting per-se, but the landscapes that Moira encounters in the minds of those she reads. Each is different depending on the character and so they reveal a lot about the person while also providing a visual description of how Moira’s powers work. Each of these landscapes were beautifully described and I really enjoyed reading about them.
Final thoughts
Mind of the Phoenix is a book which I found utterly captivating. It is an elegantly carved piece of work that is not afraid to stray into the darker side of the human character, indeed it revels in it. The characters are believable and disturbing, yet I found myself engrossed in Moira and Keenan’s investigation. The use of telepathy is very well done and I loved reading about this power in action.
Overall, a brilliant book and, not to mention, the cover is gorgeous.
September 30, 2015
Mind of the Phoenix by Jamie McLachlan
Published by Penner Publishing on 28 September 2015
Reviewed by Kj
The Word: An explosive, sophisticated tale that knits an intricate tangled web of lies and truth that will have you salivating for more.
Wow � this was not what I was expecting; I don’t know what I was expecting but just wow!! It was amazing. Talk about an explosive beginning!
Moira � a concubine who has been imprisoned and awaiting the noose for her Masters murder � is given a second chance when she is asked to consult with the police to track down a serial killer. Moira � like all concubines is an empath � she can read peoples minds and use persuasion to make them see and feel things. However, unlike most, Moira is amazingly talented � she can persuade people to do almost anything and see anything despite the ‘blockers� (another type of empath) using mind blocks to prevent Moira and similar empaths from reading peoples minds without their permission.
An empath or someone with similar powers called the Phoenix has been creating havoc on the city by using persuasion to either convince elite members (government officials) and public servants to kill themselves or convince someone else to murder them. In exchange for her life Moira is forced to work closely with Detective Keenan Edwards to solve the case before time runs out.
I’m not sure my words can give this book enough justice but I’ll try. Moira was one of the most amazing characters I’ve ever read. Sassy, confident, and in control, but constantly haunted by demons of her past. Sold at a young age to become a concubine, sold again at 19 to a cruel master who played mind games, she is constantly fighting a battle with her darker side. She has an in-depth knowledge of the mind and how to use it to her advantage. She managed to evade capture for six months using her powers but is weary of using them constantly � not wanting to wake her darkness. She is fascinated with the Phoenix and at times debates whether their notions are all that bad � after all her kind are doomed to be slaves from the day they are born and the Phoenix is working to stop that.
Detective Keenan is rigid, uptight, and methodological, but has an incredible eye for detail � not over looking even the smallest thing. He is drawn to Moira � not because of her beauty but because he wants to unravel her mind and discover what makes her tick. He follows the rules to a tee and barely strays from his usual routine � I daresay he is a bit OCD. His one fault � he is a smoker and is never apologetic for his vice. He has the amazing ability of searching past peoples layers to see their true intentions.
The attraction between Moira and the detective is paramount � each trying to dominate and have power over the other to unravel all their secrets until just their raw shells remain. The sexual tension between the two was explosive.
The whole concept of the Phoenix was brilliant � a mastermind criminal that never gets their hands physically dirty because they persuade others to kill themselves or murder others by using a key phrase that is sent to them in the mail. Once it is read or read out loud the phoenix’s mental block is unleashed and all havoc reigns free. It was so interesting and as Moira and the detective discover more � we learn that the intricacy and detail of the Phoenix’s plan is simply amazing.
I’m not sure I can praise this book enough. A historical book in nature but anyone will love this tangled tortuous murder mystery.
Love you long time.
Published by Penner Publishing on 28 September 2015
Reviewed by Kj
The Word: An explosive, sophisticated tale that knits an intricate tangled web of lies and truth that will have you salivating for more.
Wow � this was not what I was expecting; I don’t know what I was expecting but just wow!! It was amazing. Talk about an explosive beginning!
Moira � a concubine who has been imprisoned and awaiting the noose for her Masters murder � is given a second chance when she is asked to consult with the police to track down a serial killer. Moira � like all concubines is an empath � she can read peoples minds and use persuasion to make them see and feel things. However, unlike most, Moira is amazingly talented � she can persuade people to do almost anything and see anything despite the ‘blockers� (another type of empath) using mind blocks to prevent Moira and similar empaths from reading peoples minds without their permission.
An empath or someone with similar powers called the Phoenix has been creating havoc on the city by using persuasion to either convince elite members (government officials) and public servants to kill themselves or convince someone else to murder them. In exchange for her life Moira is forced to work closely with Detective Keenan Edwards to solve the case before time runs out.
I’m not sure my words can give this book enough justice but I’ll try. Moira was one of the most amazing characters I’ve ever read. Sassy, confident, and in control, but constantly haunted by demons of her past. Sold at a young age to become a concubine, sold again at 19 to a cruel master who played mind games, she is constantly fighting a battle with her darker side. She has an in-depth knowledge of the mind and how to use it to her advantage. She managed to evade capture for six months using her powers but is weary of using them constantly � not wanting to wake her darkness. She is fascinated with the Phoenix and at times debates whether their notions are all that bad � after all her kind are doomed to be slaves from the day they are born and the Phoenix is working to stop that.
Detective Keenan is rigid, uptight, and methodological, but has an incredible eye for detail � not over looking even the smallest thing. He is drawn to Moira � not because of her beauty but because he wants to unravel her mind and discover what makes her tick. He follows the rules to a tee and barely strays from his usual routine � I daresay he is a bit OCD. His one fault � he is a smoker and is never apologetic for his vice. He has the amazing ability of searching past peoples layers to see their true intentions.
The attraction between Moira and the detective is paramount � each trying to dominate and have power over the other to unravel all their secrets until just their raw shells remain. The sexual tension between the two was explosive.
The whole concept of the Phoenix was brilliant � a mastermind criminal that never gets their hands physically dirty because they persuade others to kill themselves or murder others by using a key phrase that is sent to them in the mail. Once it is read or read out loud the phoenix’s mental block is unleashed and all havoc reigns free. It was so interesting and as Moira and the detective discover more � we learn that the intricacy and detail of the Phoenix’s plan is simply amazing.
I’m not sure I can praise this book enough. A historical book in nature but anyone will love this tangled tortuous murder mystery.
Love you long time.
October 5, 2015
Can I start off by saying how much I just loved this book? Well, I guess I just did. Because I did love this book. From the very first page I was engaged with the character of Moira.
It begins with Moira being locked in a dark, dreary jail cell in a basement, with no food, and almost no water. She's starving, weak, and barely able to move, when the Chief of Police arrives at her cell, trying to convince her to help the department solve what they believe are murders of the Elite. The Elite are humans who do not have empath powers, but are in control of society. Blockers are empaths who work for the Elite, and then you have Moira, an empath. They are slaves to the Elite, owned by Masters, or put to work in different houses. They have the powers of slight persuasion, memory blocking, or pulling you into a dreamscape. Moira is convinced to work with the detective in charge of the murders, Keenan Edwards, and so begins the story.
Moira is a well rounded heroine, who has not had an easy life. She is witty, and sarcastic, and likes to push our dear detective's buttons. She's an empath with the ability of persuasion, which is why she was placed in the Pleasure House. This has made her cynical of life, and of men and it fits with her character well. She's stubborn, but not stupidly stubborn, as she is willing to concede if that's what is needed of her. Overall I feel she is easily related to (in at least her thoughts), and her viewpoints make sense based on her history.
Keenan Edwards is a very likable male lead, a perfect partner to Moira's character. He does not trust Moira at the beginning as she is a criminal, which makes sense with his beliefs. I enjoyed that he keeps an open mind though, and doesn't jump to conclusions, and slowly through the story he does warm up to Moira, and is willing to listen to her.
The story moves along at a good rate, and I did not find any slow points in the story. It feels like how a detective would investigate a real murder, by interviewing suspects, compiling notes, and using some empath powers. There are two mysteries that end up taking place, and a conclusion to one is found in the novel.
I'm very excited to continue this story in the next book "Pawn of the Phoenix". I just wish I didn't have to wait.
Recommend this book to anyone who enjoys alternative history, mystery, fantasy elements, and romance. Good for anyone that is 16 and older.
It begins with Moira being locked in a dark, dreary jail cell in a basement, with no food, and almost no water. She's starving, weak, and barely able to move, when the Chief of Police arrives at her cell, trying to convince her to help the department solve what they believe are murders of the Elite. The Elite are humans who do not have empath powers, but are in control of society. Blockers are empaths who work for the Elite, and then you have Moira, an empath. They are slaves to the Elite, owned by Masters, or put to work in different houses. They have the powers of slight persuasion, memory blocking, or pulling you into a dreamscape. Moira is convinced to work with the detective in charge of the murders, Keenan Edwards, and so begins the story.
Moira is a well rounded heroine, who has not had an easy life. She is witty, and sarcastic, and likes to push our dear detective's buttons. She's an empath with the ability of persuasion, which is why she was placed in the Pleasure House. This has made her cynical of life, and of men and it fits with her character well. She's stubborn, but not stupidly stubborn, as she is willing to concede if that's what is needed of her. Overall I feel she is easily related to (in at least her thoughts), and her viewpoints make sense based on her history.
Keenan Edwards is a very likable male lead, a perfect partner to Moira's character. He does not trust Moira at the beginning as she is a criminal, which makes sense with his beliefs. I enjoyed that he keeps an open mind though, and doesn't jump to conclusions, and slowly through the story he does warm up to Moira, and is willing to listen to her.
The story moves along at a good rate, and I did not find any slow points in the story. It feels like how a detective would investigate a real murder, by interviewing suspects, compiling notes, and using some empath powers. There are two mysteries that end up taking place, and a conclusion to one is found in the novel.
I'm very excited to continue this story in the next book "Pawn of the Phoenix". I just wish I didn't have to wait.
Recommend this book to anyone who enjoys alternative history, mystery, fantasy elements, and romance. Good for anyone that is 16 and older.
September 29, 2015
I received a copy of this via NetGalley in return for a fair and honest review.
This is definitely one of those books that is a pleasant surprise as you begin to read. Wasn't really sure what to expect with this story but the blurb did catch my interest and it didn't disappoint.
The main character, Moira is an empath and we first encounter her when she's locked up in prison awaiting her execution for a murder she committed. But her skills as an empath are required by the Elite to help solve some recent strange suicides/murders and they promise to expunge her sentence if she helps them. She reluctantly agrees to help them and she is paired with Detective Edwards in the quest to search down whoever is behind the mysterious letters that has lead to the suicides.
Really enjoyed the way the relationship evolves between Moira and the Detective in charge. She is a very feisty character but with a vulnerability too and you soon discover why she is like this when you find out what she has been through in her fairly short life so far. Fascinating spin on the normal thrillers/murder mysteries with the introduction of Empaths, Blockers and Concubines but that keeps it fresh and intriguing and I'm really hoping there is a sequel as there is plenty more to be explored with these characters and this world of abilities.
This is definitely one of those books that is a pleasant surprise as you begin to read. Wasn't really sure what to expect with this story but the blurb did catch my interest and it didn't disappoint.
The main character, Moira is an empath and we first encounter her when she's locked up in prison awaiting her execution for a murder she committed. But her skills as an empath are required by the Elite to help solve some recent strange suicides/murders and they promise to expunge her sentence if she helps them. She reluctantly agrees to help them and she is paired with Detective Edwards in the quest to search down whoever is behind the mysterious letters that has lead to the suicides.
Really enjoyed the way the relationship evolves between Moira and the Detective in charge. She is a very feisty character but with a vulnerability too and you soon discover why she is like this when you find out what she has been through in her fairly short life so far. Fascinating spin on the normal thrillers/murder mysteries with the introduction of Empaths, Blockers and Concubines but that keeps it fresh and intriguing and I'm really hoping there is a sequel as there is plenty more to be explored with these characters and this world of abilities.
October 3, 2015
You can find my reviews at
*ARC received for an honest review, thank you!'
I don't know where to start it was such an amazing ride! I typically don't read many mystery novels because I usually guess the ending before I manage to get halfway, but 'Mind of the Phoenix' kept me gripped right until the very end. Set in a world where those with special empathic abilities are kept as slaves in the early 19th century, readers are taken on a ride filled with mystery and forbidden romance. My favourite aspect of this story was the main character Moira, a strong yet damaged girl way too snarky for that period of time, but it absolutely worked. While this story has some dark and disturbing themes throughout, the budding romance between the two main characters brought some much needed lightness to the story, while not being cliched enough to make me roll my eyes. The dialogue flows tremendously well and it never feels as though the author just forced these two people together, making for a beautiful romance that had me wanting this story to not end omg how long do I have to wait now noooooo!
*ARC received for an honest review, thank you!'
I don't know where to start it was such an amazing ride! I typically don't read many mystery novels because I usually guess the ending before I manage to get halfway, but 'Mind of the Phoenix' kept me gripped right until the very end. Set in a world where those with special empathic abilities are kept as slaves in the early 19th century, readers are taken on a ride filled with mystery and forbidden romance. My favourite aspect of this story was the main character Moira, a strong yet damaged girl way too snarky for that period of time, but it absolutely worked. While this story has some dark and disturbing themes throughout, the budding romance between the two main characters brought some much needed lightness to the story, while not being cliched enough to make me roll my eyes. The dialogue flows tremendously well and it never feels as though the author just forced these two people together, making for a beautiful romance that had me wanting this story to not end omg how long do I have to wait now noooooo!
November 18, 2015
Burned By The Flames In Ashes
This book is the first in a series I fervently hope! I can't imagine leaving this world or the characters anytime soon... I will definitely read any fiction this author writes :)
Moira is a very gifted empath... Just not in the traditional ways. She hides most of her gifts for her own protection. Too bad her gifts did not save her from her master's abuse. Awaiting execution for murdering him has weakened her to the point she would almost welcome death. Luckily the Elite have a problem they think she will be helpful in clearing up. The Pheonix has been persuading people to kill themselves or others. An empath serial killer cannot be allowed to decimate the Elite. Will Moira find the Pheonix? Or will she take an opportunity to run again? Why does Detective Keenan Edwards get under her skin so easily? Will they solve the case or kill each other?
***This book is suitable for adult readers who enjoy historical paranormal romance in dystopian societies filled with intrigue, horror, mysteries, and sarcastic humor amid all the action,suspense, thrills and skullduggery :)
This book is the first in a series I fervently hope! I can't imagine leaving this world or the characters anytime soon... I will definitely read any fiction this author writes :)
Moira is a very gifted empath... Just not in the traditional ways. She hides most of her gifts for her own protection. Too bad her gifts did not save her from her master's abuse. Awaiting execution for murdering him has weakened her to the point she would almost welcome death. Luckily the Elite have a problem they think she will be helpful in clearing up. The Pheonix has been persuading people to kill themselves or others. An empath serial killer cannot be allowed to decimate the Elite. Will Moira find the Pheonix? Or will she take an opportunity to run again? Why does Detective Keenan Edwards get under her skin so easily? Will they solve the case or kill each other?
***This book is suitable for adult readers who enjoy historical paranormal romance in dystopian societies filled with intrigue, horror, mysteries, and sarcastic humor amid all the action,suspense, thrills and skullduggery :)
November 28, 2015
I looked at this book not knowing exactly if I was going to like it, but I thought I would try it away. Boy, am I glad I did! I liked the characters and really felt like I knew them, the plot was somewhat original and followed its own rules, and the action was fast-paced enough that I didn’t feel it lagged in spots. One of the things that I really liked is that it didn’t feel like it took place in the past even though it did. I have always preferred books to be more contemporary and this book felt that way. I really enjoyed the friendship/relationship between Moira and Edwards (Keenan) and the pace was very natural. I would definitely recommend getting this book, and I am definitely going to be picking up more!
Thanks to NetGalley and Penner Publishing for providing a free copy in exchange for a review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penner Publishing for providing a free copy in exchange for a review.
November 3, 2015
Mind of the Phoenix is stunning! Jamie McLachlan's writing is superb and I can only hope that there will be a sequel. Moira, poor lovely Moira has been through so much it is utterly heartbreaking and yet she is exactly what you need in a leading heroine. She is strong, brave and the woman is bad ass. I really didn't like Keenan at first but the more you realise that they live in a completely different worlds that has different views and outlooks you understand his initial reaction to Moira. I loved how their relationship progressed and how clever the storyline is.
November 8, 2015
This book is great, the story wraps you up in a world that I can easily picture in my mind. I love strong female characters that know how to handle the cards they are dealt, And in this story I saw that. The love story that is devolping in the book had me screaming for more. The mystery of it, had me staying up until I fell asleep, and even then I was dreaming of it. I can not wait for the sequel.
March 10, 2016
What a ride
This mystery-within-a-mystery-within-a-romance is a great and intriguing first installment to the series. The world-building is fantastic and essential to the story. I only wish I had read it sooner!
This mystery-within-a-mystery-within-a-romance is a great and intriguing first installment to the series. The world-building is fantastic and essential to the story. I only wish I had read it sooner!
October 31, 2015
This is the first book in a long time that made my stomach drop. I love these main characters. I am beyond excited for the next book!
November 2, 2015
I loved this book! Intriguing concept and well developed characters. This is not my usual type of novel but found myself turning every page in anticipation. Bravo !
October 3, 2020
Originally posted on
� � � �
Arc was kindly offered to me in exchange for an honest review, via NetGalley.
This book made me feel quite torn at some point. The first half of the book progressed quite slowly for me. I found a bit difficult to immediately adjust to the world described by the author, mostly just because the information was provided to us in parts across many of the first chapters. Also, the fact that all the empaths are slaves, and so they take their Masters' last names made it a little hard for me to follow the heroes train of thought when they were referring to multiple Mr. Andersons, or Mr.Harrisons etc.
But, after this confusion started settling down, and the actual adjustment to the world and its rules was achieved, something that took place around the second half of the book, I just couldn't put it down!
The twists and turns were sudden, but not unpleasant, while the era in which the incidents were taking place was described very naturally, and I could actually imagine the heroine with her long dresses and the hero with his tall hat.
The author's writing style was quite... intimate, I would say. It wasn't extremely formal or distant, quite the opposite actually, something that was able to happen because the book was written in first person, and we could "read" Moira's thoughts. I enjoyed that fact immensely!
Considering the characters, I enjoyed both of the main heroes! Moira was a passionate young woman, and I liked the way she was so strong and defiant, but also vulnerable and delicate at some points. Keenan was a nice gentleman. At first I wasn't particularly fond of him, but soon he managed to earn my trust with his behavior and personality. And, I won't even describe the relationship between the two of them! Amazing, full of chemistry, and very realistic. I enjoyed so much reading about those two. How their relationship got deeper and stronger in a very natural way! If I think more about them, I will probably start swooning and never complete the rest of the review, so I'll just leave it at that. I'm just glad I bumped into them, because they are definitely a duo I will be rooting for in the following installations.
As for the rest of the characters of the book, I liked very much the fact that they were described by the author in a way that let us imagine exactly how they could be. I felt like I had a clear image every person.
The way the minds were described was also very unique. Every person's was different, and I loved the fact that it deflected the personality of the person. Also, the way Moira explored them. It was extraordinary.
All these features that I mention with many details appear mostly during the second half of the book, which really made me go through it in one sitting. The only thing I disliked about this part of the book, was the fact that one piece of the puzzle was solved in this first book. But, I would have preferred it if it was a little bit more mysterious, and I hadn't actually guessed the murderer so much earlier!
Thankfully, the full mystery hasn't been solved yet, which leaves the reader with an anxiety to get their hands on the rest of the series' books. I just hope that the final solution of the puzzle won't be the way I have imagined it. Because if it is, I am sorry to say that it would be predictable, and I would hate it if that fact ruined my view of this series. But, until then, I'm quite certain there will be quite few installations, and probably a few twists and turns, too!
All in all, I award this book 4 stars!
� � � �
Arc was kindly offered to me in exchange for an honest review, via NetGalley.
This book made me feel quite torn at some point. The first half of the book progressed quite slowly for me. I found a bit difficult to immediately adjust to the world described by the author, mostly just because the information was provided to us in parts across many of the first chapters. Also, the fact that all the empaths are slaves, and so they take their Masters' last names made it a little hard for me to follow the heroes train of thought when they were referring to multiple Mr. Andersons, or Mr.Harrisons etc.
But, after this confusion started settling down, and the actual adjustment to the world and its rules was achieved, something that took place around the second half of the book, I just couldn't put it down!
The twists and turns were sudden, but not unpleasant, while the era in which the incidents were taking place was described very naturally, and I could actually imagine the heroine with her long dresses and the hero with his tall hat.
The author's writing style was quite... intimate, I would say. It wasn't extremely formal or distant, quite the opposite actually, something that was able to happen because the book was written in first person, and we could "read" Moira's thoughts. I enjoyed that fact immensely!
Considering the characters, I enjoyed both of the main heroes! Moira was a passionate young woman, and I liked the way she was so strong and defiant, but also vulnerable and delicate at some points. Keenan was a nice gentleman. At first I wasn't particularly fond of him, but soon he managed to earn my trust with his behavior and personality. And, I won't even describe the relationship between the two of them! Amazing, full of chemistry, and very realistic. I enjoyed so much reading about those two. How their relationship got deeper and stronger in a very natural way! If I think more about them, I will probably start swooning and never complete the rest of the review, so I'll just leave it at that. I'm just glad I bumped into them, because they are definitely a duo I will be rooting for in the following installations.
As for the rest of the characters of the book, I liked very much the fact that they were described by the author in a way that let us imagine exactly how they could be. I felt like I had a clear image every person.
The way the minds were described was also very unique. Every person's was different, and I loved the fact that it deflected the personality of the person. Also, the way Moira explored them. It was extraordinary.
All these features that I mention with many details appear mostly during the second half of the book, which really made me go through it in one sitting. The only thing I disliked about this part of the book, was the fact that one piece of the puzzle was solved in this first book. But, I would have preferred it if it was a little bit more mysterious, and I hadn't actually guessed the murderer so much earlier!
Thankfully, the full mystery hasn't been solved yet, which leaves the reader with an anxiety to get their hands on the rest of the series' books. I just hope that the final solution of the puzzle won't be the way I have imagined it. Because if it is, I am sorry to say that it would be predictable, and I would hate it if that fact ruined my view of this series. But, until then, I'm quite certain there will be quite few installations, and probably a few twists and turns, too!
All in all, I award this book 4 stars!
December 1, 2015
[Full disclosure: I requested and recevied a free ebook through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.]
I wasn’t really sure what I expected from Mind of the Phoenix, but it certainly exceeded whatever expectations I did have.
Moira is a truly amazing character. She’s been a slave in a pleasure house for years until at the age of 19 she was sold off to a private owner that she then killed. She evaded capture for 6 months before being taken into custody pending execution—until even the Elite (the powerful empaths that work with regular humans to suppress their less powerful brethren) admit they need her abilities to solve a recent spree of suicides that are likely murders. Throughout the investigation we see Moira start to open up just a bit. In the beginning she’s very cynical and sarcastic, both of which are clear defense mechanisms considering what she’s been through. And then as time goes on and Keenan shows her some of the good in the world, she opens up to him a bit. She still struggles with her inner demons and she doesn’t exactly have rose-coloured glasses on by the end of the novel but she at least softens her outlook a little bit as she sees the good in some people.
Keenan is truly an enigma. He’s not your typical tough, silent detective type and he’s certainly not the typical bad boy type of person that you see in so much fiction now. He’s just a man struggling with demons of his own, much like Moira. As a detective he’s seen a lot and feels quite a bit of responsibility on his shoulders. In a world that is clearly morally skewed, he does the best he can to be a good person. He’s not perfect—the second scene where he holds Moira’s head under water definitely shows that—but he’s not a monster. And he’s certainly not the type of man Moira is used to and can easily fit in one category.
Lest you think so, let me say clearly that any romance between Moira and Keenan is not the main focus of the story. Jamie McLachlan does a great job of depicting the inner struggles of the characters while at the same time moving the plot along quite quickly. The mysterious Phoenix is on the loose, implanting commands in people’s minds that make them commit suicide when a certain phrase is read. How can he or she be stopped when you don’t know who you’re looking for or what their true motives are? Moira can search through minds but not even she can undo some of the blocks the Phoenix places in them—at least not without utterly destroying the mind of the victim. When you think you know the true identity of the Phoenix, the plot twists and you’re left wondering whether or not that person is the Phoenix. Jamie McLachlan writes great interpersonal struggles, but she also writes one heck of a murder mystery.
If you’re looking for something a little different from the regular fantasy/speculative fiction, Mind of the Phoenix is the perfect book for you. It has political intrigue, two separate murder mysteries and some great intrapersonal/interpersonal conflicts. And yes, it has just a hint of romance and deals with the whole idea of putting the past behind you so you can live in the present. Best of all, it’s extremely well-written. You’ll be up reading into the early morning hours just like I was last night. I can’t recommend this book enough and I really can’t wait for the next book in the Memory Collector series.
I give this book 5/5 stars.
I wasn’t really sure what I expected from Mind of the Phoenix, but it certainly exceeded whatever expectations I did have.
Moira is a truly amazing character. She’s been a slave in a pleasure house for years until at the age of 19 she was sold off to a private owner that she then killed. She evaded capture for 6 months before being taken into custody pending execution—until even the Elite (the powerful empaths that work with regular humans to suppress their less powerful brethren) admit they need her abilities to solve a recent spree of suicides that are likely murders. Throughout the investigation we see Moira start to open up just a bit. In the beginning she’s very cynical and sarcastic, both of which are clear defense mechanisms considering what she’s been through. And then as time goes on and Keenan shows her some of the good in the world, she opens up to him a bit. She still struggles with her inner demons and she doesn’t exactly have rose-coloured glasses on by the end of the novel but she at least softens her outlook a little bit as she sees the good in some people.
Keenan is truly an enigma. He’s not your typical tough, silent detective type and he’s certainly not the typical bad boy type of person that you see in so much fiction now. He’s just a man struggling with demons of his own, much like Moira. As a detective he’s seen a lot and feels quite a bit of responsibility on his shoulders. In a world that is clearly morally skewed, he does the best he can to be a good person. He’s not perfect—the second scene where he holds Moira’s head under water definitely shows that—but he’s not a monster. And he’s certainly not the type of man Moira is used to and can easily fit in one category.
Lest you think so, let me say clearly that any romance between Moira and Keenan is not the main focus of the story. Jamie McLachlan does a great job of depicting the inner struggles of the characters while at the same time moving the plot along quite quickly. The mysterious Phoenix is on the loose, implanting commands in people’s minds that make them commit suicide when a certain phrase is read. How can he or she be stopped when you don’t know who you’re looking for or what their true motives are? Moira can search through minds but not even she can undo some of the blocks the Phoenix places in them—at least not without utterly destroying the mind of the victim. When you think you know the true identity of the Phoenix, the plot twists and you’re left wondering whether or not that person is the Phoenix. Jamie McLachlan writes great interpersonal struggles, but she also writes one heck of a murder mystery.
If you’re looking for something a little different from the regular fantasy/speculative fiction, Mind of the Phoenix is the perfect book for you. It has political intrigue, two separate murder mysteries and some great intrapersonal/interpersonal conflicts. And yes, it has just a hint of romance and deals with the whole idea of putting the past behind you so you can live in the present. Best of all, it’s extremely well-written. You’ll be up reading into the early morning hours just like I was last night. I can’t recommend this book enough and I really can’t wait for the next book in the Memory Collector series.
I give this book 5/5 stars.
December 21, 2015
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publish date: 28th September 2015
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I ended up enjoying this book far more than I thought I would. It's slow to build and the first in a series of unknown length, sort of set in the Victorian era (Just two years after the estemed monach died) in a mystery location/one I can't place, it sort of follows the feel of the time period; precise and step by step, not quite slow, possibly leisurely. I was annoyed with a few things, but I actually think they were character flaws and not writing flaws. Some are understandable, for example; a concubine in that time period would have been obsessed with how much everyone she meets desires her. She's been brought up that way and that's just how her life is. It's also terribly annoying to read too.
My absolute favourite part of this book was her relationship with the Detective. You can sort of tell where things will go with the blurb we have, but this isn't cheap and tacky love. Nor is it instalove. It's a nice decadent slide into something sensual and I need more of it. What's nice is that they're both changing as people as their acquaintance continues and it's just perfect and real. We know so little of The Detective too. In my mind, Keenan is just a sort of dark shadow shape with direct green eyes and it's actually kind of sexy. I'm impatient for book two, not just because of their continued development as a possible couple, but because I really want to know more about Detective Edwards. Oh, yeah, and I want them to catch the bad-guy too.
Cleverly there was a sub-plot to this book too. So it's not just the huge unsolved murder case going on. There's a mini case too, which doesn't actually swamp the story but nicely fills some gaps that could have been there. Though it could have perhaps done with starting a little earlier. A few earlier related deaths/attacks to create a slower build would have been perfect.
If you haven't already guessed Keenan is my favourite character. We probably know more of him than I think but he still seems so mysterious. He's honest and he cares and he's not ashamed to admit when he's been wrong. Plus he has a dimple.
This is a good story for those who like something slightly darker than happy-go-lucky and for fans of mysteries and thrillers with a supernatural twist. Possibly for NA/Adult audiences.
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